Best Examples of Integrating Music and Movement in the Classroom

Real examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom

Let’s start with what teachers always ask for first: “What does this actually look like?” Here are real examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom that go beyond just putting on a song and hoping kids calm down.

In a first grade classroom, a teacher uses a simple chant and stomp routine to teach syllables. Students say a word, clap for each syllable, then stomp the number of syllables. The room is noisy, but every child is hearing, saying, and physically feeling the rhythm of language. That’s one small example of integrating music and movement in the classroom that directly supports phonological awareness.

In a fourth grade math lesson, students stand in a circle and pass a ball to the beat of a song. Each time they catch the ball, they say a multiple of 6. If the beat continues but they hesitate, the group helps them out. Here, the movement (passing and catching) and the music (steady beat) are supporting skip counting and multiplication fluency.

These are the kinds of examples we’ll unpack in detail, so you can see not only what to do, but how and why it works.

Everyday classroom routines: simple examples of music and movement

Some of the best examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom happen during the most ordinary parts of the day: lining up, cleaning up, or shifting between subjects.

Transition songs with built-in movement

Instead of repeating, “Line up quietly” ten times a day, many teachers now use a short, consistent song paired with a movement pattern.

A kindergarten teacher might sing a simple four-line song while students:

• Tap shoulders on line 1
• Touch toes on line 2
• Make a quiet “bubble mouth” on line 3
• Tiptoe to the door on line 4

The song becomes a cue. The movement gives students something purposeful to do with their bodies, which reduces off-task behavior. This is a clear example of integrating music and movement in the classroom to support behavior and self-regulation.

Clean-up choreography

During clean-up, instead of a generic timer, some teachers play the same 60–90 second song every day. Students know they have until the end of the song to finish, and they create a simple “clean-up dance” — maybe a slide-step between centers, a squat to pick items up, and a spin when they’re done.

The music sets a time boundary. The movement turns a potential power struggle into a routine students actually enjoy. Classroom management gets easier, and kids are still moving even in a small space.

Academic learning: examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom for core subjects

Music and movement aren’t just for the “fun” parts of the day. Below are concrete examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom to teach literacy, math, science, and social studies.

Literacy: acting out phonics and stories

Phonics gestures with rhythm
A second grade teacher assigns a specific gesture to each phonics pattern. For example:

• Long “a” (ai/ay): students trace a rainbow in the air
• “Sh”: students put a finger to their lips and sway
• “Ch”: students clap once and jump

As the teacher displays words, students chant them in rhythm and perform the matching gesture for the target pattern. The rhythm and repetition support memory, while the movement anchors each sound pattern in the body.

Story retell with frozen tableaux
After reading a story, small groups create “frozen pictures” (tableaux) of key scenes. The teacher plays instrumental music, and students move in slow motion between frozen scenes. When the music stops, they freeze. Other students describe what they see using transition words: first, next, then, finally.

This example of music and movement supports comprehension, sequencing, and oral language. It’s especially powerful for multilingual learners who benefit from visual and kinesthetic support.

Math: rhythm, patterns, and multiplication

Skip-counting marches
In a third grade class, students stand behind their chairs. The teacher plays a steady beat (even a metronome app works). Students march in place and chant: “3, 6, 9, 12…” Every multiple lands on a footstep. When they’re ready, students create their own body percussion patterns—maybe a clap on every fifth multiple or a jump on every tenth.

This is one of the best examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom for math because it supports:

• Pattern recognition
• Working memory
• A physical sense of rhythm that maps onto number sequences

Geometry shape walks
For geometry, the teacher tapes large shapes on the floor using painter’s tape: triangles, rectangles, hexagons. Soft music plays while students walk the perimeter of a shape, counting sides and corners out loud. Then they switch to tiptoeing, hopping, or sliding along the edges.

The movement helps students feel the difference between shapes, rather than just seeing them on a worksheet.

Science and social studies: embodying concepts

Life cycle dances
In a second grade science unit on butterflies, students choreograph a simple “life cycle dance”:

• Egg: curl up small
• Caterpillar: inch forward
• Chrysalis: stand still, arms wrapped
• Butterfly: stretch and flap around the room

The teacher plays music with a clear structure (four sections). Students change their movement when the music changes. Later, when asked to explain the life cycle, they can physically rehearse it as they talk, which supports recall.

Historical movement timelines
In social studies, a fifth grade class creates a “human timeline” of major events. Each event gets a short musical motif and a movement. For example, one event might be represented by a drum pattern and a strong marching step; another by a softer melody and a bow.

Students line up in chronological order. As the teacher plays each motif, the corresponding student steps forward, performs the movement, and summarizes the event in one sentence. This is a memorable example of integrating music and movement in the classroom to support chronology and cause-and-effect.

Brain breaks and regulation: quick examples that fit into any schedule

Short, intentional movement breaks are backed by a growing body of research on attention and self-regulation. The CDC notes that incorporating physical activity into the school day can improve classroom behavior and academic performance (CDC, 2023). When you add music, you give students an emotional and rhythmic anchor.

Rhythmic breathing and stretching

Between subjects, teachers can use 2-minute guided stretches with calm background music. Students:

• Inhale for 4 counts while raising arms
• Hold for 4 counts
• Exhale for 4 counts while lowering arms

The class counts together in rhythm. This combines music (steady tempo), movement (stretching), and mindfulness. It’s particularly helpful for students who struggle with transitions or anxiety.

Call-and-response movement songs

Some teachers use call-and-response songs where each line includes a movement: “When I say ‘read,’ you say ‘books!’ and clap twice, for example. The teacher leads, the class responds with sound and motion.

This kind of example of integrating music and movement in the classroom is quick, no-prep, and can reset energy in under a minute.

Tech-friendly 2024–2025 examples: integrating music and movement with digital tools

Classrooms today often have access to projectors, speakers, or at least a teacher laptop. That opens up even more examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom that are current with 2024–2025 trends.

Interactive playlists for different purposes

Many teachers now keep three labeled playlists:

• Focus (instrumental, slower tempo)
• Energize (upbeat, clean lyrics or instrumental)
• Calm-down (gentle, predictable patterns)

During independent work, a focus playlist plays softly while students use small, quiet movements: chair push-ups, ankle circles, or gentle swaying. After lunch, a 3-minute energize song with a simple follow-the-leader dance gets everyone moving before sitting.

This structure gives students consistent musical cues for what their bodies and brains should be doing, which supports self-management and executive functioning.

Movement-based learning apps and videos

Teachers also use short, curriculum-aligned movement videos—think multiplication dances, phonics songs with actions, or science rap routines. The key is to treat these as interactive tools, not passive screen time.

Before pressing play, the teacher might say: “Watch the first verse, then we’ll stand up and do it together.” Students then perform the movements while singing along, turning a video into a full-body learning experience.

When selecting digital resources, look for:

• Clear, simple movements that all students can do
• Lyrics that match the content you’re teaching
• Short length (2–5 minutes) to fit naturally into lessons

How to design your own examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom

You don’t need to be a musician or dancer to create effective routines. Think in three simple layers: purpose, pattern, and participation.

Start with the learning purpose

Ask yourself: “What do I want students to remember or practice?” Then add music and movement to that target, rather than the other way around.

For example:

• If the goal is vocabulary, pair each word with a gesture and a rhythm.
• If the goal is multiplication fluency, use a beat and repeated movement pattern.
• If the goal is social skills, use partner dances or mirroring activities.

When the purpose is clear, your example of integrating music and movement in the classroom will feel meaningful, not random.

Choose a simple pattern

Keep the pattern short and repeatable. A four-beat sequence (clap, clap, tap, tap) or two simple poses for each vocabulary word is enough. Students remember patterns much more easily than long sequences.

You might:

• Clap on nouns, snap on verbs during sentence building
• Step forward on odd numbers, back on even numbers
• Freeze on key vocabulary words in a song

These patterns become part of your classroom “language,” and students will start to anticipate and enjoy them.

Make participation flexible

Not every student will want to jump or spin, and not every classroom has space for big movements. Offer options:

• Standing or seated versions of the same movement
• Hand-only versions for students using wheelchairs or with mobility needs
• Quiet tapping or finger dancing for students who are sensory-sensitive

The goal is to let every student participate in some way, so your examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom are inclusive and sustainable.

Assessment and reflection: surprising examples of music and movement in the classroom

Music and movement can also help you check for understanding, not just deliver content.

Gesture quizzes

During a review, the teacher calls out vocabulary words or math facts. Instead of answering out loud, students respond with a gesture or movement you’ve previously linked to the concept.

For example, in a science unit:

• “Solid” might be a strong, still pose
• “Liquid” a flowing arm movement
• “Gas” wiggly fingers reaching up

By scanning the room, the teacher can quickly see who is matching the correct movement to each term. This is a low-stress example of integrating music and movement in the classroom as a formative assessment.

Exit ticket movement lines

At the end of a lesson, you might play soft background music and invite students to line up at the door. Before they leave, they perform a quick movement that shows their understanding.

For instance, in math:

• One jump if they feel “still confused”
• Two jumps if they feel “getting there”
• A spin if they feel “ready to teach someone else”

You can pair this with a spoken sentence (“I need more help with…”), but the movement gives a fast visual snapshot of class confidence.

Safety, research, and support for music and movement

If you’re wondering whether all this wiggling and dancing is actually supported by research, the answer is yes. Studies on physical activity in schools show links to improved attention, behavior, and academic outcomes. The CDC highlights that physically active students tend to have better grades and classroom behavior (CDC, 2023).

From a brain perspective, music and movement engage multiple systems at once—motor, auditory, emotional, and cognitive. Organizations like the National Association for Music Education summarize research indicating that music participation supports language development, pattern recognition, and memory (NAfME).

To keep your own examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom safe and supportive:

• Clear small obstacles before larger movement activities
• Offer low-impact options for students with physical needs
• Keep volume at a comfortable level to avoid sensory overload

If you work with students who have specific medical or sensory needs, collaborating with school nurses or occupational therapists can help you adapt movements appropriately. The American Occupational Therapy Association provides guidance on school-based movement supports (AOTA).

FAQs about examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom

What are some quick, low-prep examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom?

Quick options include using a 30-second clapping pattern to get attention, adding a simple gesture to each vocabulary word, or playing a short song during clean-up while students do a “clean-up dance.” You can also use call-and-response chants with built-in movements, or have students stand and stretch to a calm song between subjects.

Do I need musical talent to use these examples?

No. Many of the best examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom use recorded music, simple chants, or even just a steady clap. Your students don’t care if you sing off-key; they care that the routine is consistent, fun, and connected to what they’re learning.

How can I adapt an example of music and movement for students with disabilities?

Offer multiple ways to participate: seated versions of movements, hand-only motions, or visual cue cards for students who process language differently. Check in with special education staff or occupational therapists for ideas tailored to specific students. The key is that every child can join in at their own comfort and ability level.

Will using music and movement make my class feel chaotic?

It can feel that way at first if you don’t set clear expectations. Start with one or two simple routines, teach them slowly, and practice them when you’re not in a rush. Once students know the pattern, these examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom usually reduce chaos because students have a clear, engaging structure to follow.

How often should I use music and movement during the day?

Aim for short, frequent bursts rather than one long session. Many teachers find success with a 2–5 minute movement or music activity every 20–30 minutes of seated work. That might mean a transition song, a quick skip-counting chant, or a stretch break with calming music.

When you look at all these real examples of integrating music and movement in the classroom, a pattern emerges: you don’t need fancy equipment or a background in the arts. You just need a clear learning goal, a simple musical or movement pattern, and the willingness to let students learn with their whole bodies. Start small, repeat often, and let your classroom gradually become a place where sound, motion, and thinking all work together.